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IAU Classifies Pluto & Eris As "Plutoids"

Posted by timothy on from the once-and-for-all-or-maybe-not dept.

Kligat writes "The International Astronomical Union has decided that Pluto and Eris should be classified as "plutoids," alongside their 2006 classification as dwarf planets. Under the definition, the self-gravity of a plutoid is enough for it to achieve a near-spherical shape, but not enough for it to clear its orbit of its rocky neighbors, and the plutoid orbits the Sun beyond Neptune." Reader FiReaNGeL links to a similar story at e! Science News.

5 of 192 comments (clear)

  1. Yes, but... by starglider29a · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Will the 6G iPhone XI reach them? And in Extreme HD!?

  2. But what about Scott!? by ricebowl · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    "The International Astronomical Union has decided that Pluto and Eris should be classified as "plutoids,"

    But...has anyone told Scott Ramsoomair?

  3. Deep, meaningful, well written book. Sensational!, by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    I must admit, I'd not heard much of Paris Hilton before picking up this book. But afterwards I wanted to know EVERYTHING about her! This beautiful talented woman is wise beyond her years. Her constant stream of witty wisecracks & clever political satire & commentary, has really opened my eyes to the world around us. I was provided with a whole new outlook on life. Now thanks to Ms Hilton, I now know to "never turn my phone off, as you will never know when an important call will come". That isnt the only deep & insightful quote from this fantastic book. Thanks to this book, I have enriched my life by pretending to be stupid, mocking people I consider beneath me & spending money I havent got on tiny dogs & the latest fashions. The most important guide to life since the Bible. Dont miss it!

  4. Another Pluto Problem by kurt555gs · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Pluto got it's name from the famous Disney character. I am surprised that the Disney Corporation hasn't been going after some one or other to get payment for using their "IP".

    Given Disney's rapacious geed over things like this, I would think they are at least cooking up some idea of having the world pay for saying the name "Pluto" in any context.

    I also think a 'Plutiod' is a good description.

    Cheers

    --
    * Carthago Delenda Est *
  5. Re:plutoids by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    mickey: hey pluto, didja hear that i'm divorcing minnie?
    pluto: i don't blame you - i always thought she was a little crazy
    mickey: CRAZY?!? she's fuckin' goofy!!